The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has emphasized that human capital development remains central to his administration’s strategy for achieving superior performance and port competitiveness.

Dr. Dantsoho made this known while responding to commendations from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) over the recent promotion of 1,500 employees, effectively resolving the long-standing issue of staff stagnation within the Authority.

“Talent development constitutes a critical success factor for the actualization of the big, hairy, audacious goals we have set for ourselves, especially in the area of port competitiveness,” Dantsoho said. “The only way we can meet and indeed exceed stakeholders’ expectations is by deepening the competencies of our human resource assets and boosting their morale.”

He also extended appreciation to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for approving the strategic proposal by the NPA management, which addressed the promotion backlog.

“I must specially appreciate our amiable Minister for graciously approving the multi-pronged strategy we deployed, which cleared all outstanding cases of employee stagnation through a unified promotion examination. We have also instituted timelines to ensure this anomaly does not recur,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the joint maritime labour unions, the President of SSASCGOC, Comrade Bodunde, lauded the NPA management for the progress made in addressing staff welfare.

“In addition to the clearance of the backlog of stagnated promotions, we also wish to express our appreciation for the increase in productivity bonuses, provision of end-of-year welfare packages for staff, and the revision of the Financial Guide to the Condition of Service, which now addresses our members’ concerns about inflationary pressures,” he said.

In a statement released by Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Dr. Dantsoho further affirmed that the ongoing drive to modernize port infrastructure and equipment would be pursued alongside continuous improvements in staff welfare.